1. Utah didn't make the cut. Masina's brother, Uaea, is a sophomore linebacker with the Utes.

2. ASU is recruiting Masina as a 3-back (its H-back/tight end position). All the other finalists are recruiting him as an outside linebacker.

"It came down to a lot of things,'' said Masina, who cut Utah, Notre Dame and Stanford from his final eight. "There's nothing wrong with those three other schools or any of the other schools recruiting me, it just came down to things like coaching and playing time, things like that."

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Masina last season rushed for 1,643 yards and 25 touchdowns and posted 87 tackles. He hasn't played the traditional tight-end position, but he sometimes lines up as a slot receiver.

Masina visited ASU in the spring and watched film of how the Sun Devils use their 3-back. Former tight end Chris Coyle did most of his damage as a receiver, but eventually, position coach Chip Long would like a multi-threat player at the position, someone who can both catch passes and rush the football. Senior De'Marieya Nelson at times filled that role last season and should do so this year.

"I didn't know much about them until I took my unofficial (visit), and I actually came away really happy,'' Masina said of the Sun Devils. "I loved it. I liked Coach Long. I liked Coach (Todd) Graham. I liked the area. I just felt really comfortable down there."

Scout.com ranks Masina as a five-star prospect and as the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker. Rivals and 247 Sports both rank Masina as a four-star prospect and a Top 10 outside linebacker.

Asked if his college choice ultimately could come down to whether he wants to play offense or defense, Masina said, "I don't know if I'd say that."

LOUISIANA DB LIKES SUN DEVILS

Hunter Dale, a three-star defensive back from John Curtis High in River Ridge, La., has ASU in his top 10. The others: Tennessee, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Miami, Florida, UCLA, Arizona and Oregon.

Dale (5-10 and 191 pounds) has ASU ties. His grandparents live in Phoenix and his dad trained former ASU defensive tackle Jonathan English, a Louisiana product who played for the Sun Devils during the 2007-08 season. Dale's father also trains Alfred Smith, a 2015 receiver from Destrehan, La., who committed to the Sun Devils in May.

Rivals ranks Dale as the nation's No. 17 safety. 247 Sports lists him 32nd and Scout.com has him 68th.

"Probably at the beginning of the season I will narrow my list," Dale said, "but I feel good about ASU."

The Sun Devils have 12 known commitments in its 2015 recruiting class.

ASU unveiled its 'Desert Fuel' uniform on Aug. 18, 2014. The uniform features copper and anthracite. The white helmet has a copper pitchfork. The gloves and cleats are also white. (Photo: ASU Athletics)

ASU unveiled its 'Desert Fuel' uniform on Aug. 18, 2014. The uniform features copper and anthracite. The white helmet has a copper pitchfork. The gloves and cleats are also white. (Photo: ASU Athletics)

ASU unveiled its 'Desert Fuel' uniform on Aug. 18, 2014. The uniform features copper and anthracite. The white helmet has a copper pitchfork. The gloves and cleats are also white. (Photo: ASU Athletics)

ASU unveiled its 'Desert Fuel' uniform on Aug. 18, 2014. The uniform features copper and anthracite. The white helmet has a copper pitchfork. The gloves and cleats are also white. (Photo: ASU Athletics)

ASU unveiled its 'Desert Fuel' uniform on Aug. 18, 2014. The uniform features copper and anthracite. The white helmet has a copper pitchfork. The gloves and cleats are also white. (Photo: ASU Athletics)